Ucarmagazine

Taxis will be propelled into a new era at this year’s British International Motor Show with the launch of the UK’s very first electric taxi.

Launched by Glasgow based Allied Vehicles which builds thousands of taxis each year, the new E7 taxi appears in the electric pavilion for the duration of the motor show.

The electric taxi will be available from October 2008 and is the result of three years research and development by Allied, which is already looking for local authority partners to install recharging networks locally to help drive down urban emissions.

However, a recent snub by Transport for London’s taxi licensing division, the Public Carriage Office, means the UK’s first zero emission taxi will not be appearing on the capital’s streets anytime soon.

The E7 is powered entirely by cutting edge Lithium-ion batteries which have been developed and supplied by Europe’s leading independent manufacturer, Dundee based Axeon Holdings plc. These give the electric E7 a range of up to 100 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 60mph.

Producing no carbon, particulates or other pollutant emissions, the E7 is eligible for a 100% discount from vehicle excise duty, as well as lower daily running costs.

With rising fuel prices an increasing problem for taxi drivers, the electric E7 is cheaper to run than a traditional black cab*. Allied’s confidence in the technology is underlined with batteries featuring a six-year warranty and the base vehicle boasting a two-year unlimited mileage Peugeot warranty.

The electric E7 also provides full wheelchair access. Thanks to its large rear-passenger area wheelchair users can enter the vehicle more easily and be turned into the correct position for travel, before being secured safely with high-quality wheelchair restraints and passenger seat belts.

Each taxi is equipped with retractable side-steps and a specially designed, under-floor wheelchair ramp to further improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

The new E7 taxi combines the comfort and safety required by the modern taxi driver including a driver’s airbag, a feature which is unavailable on traditional black cabs.

“Taxis and their drivers have a hard life and with the rising cost of diesel at the moment, it is only going to get worse,” said Gerry Facenna, Chairman of Allied Vehicles.

“For the majority of taxi drivers, the key issue when buying a new cab is usually the cost to run, service and maintain their vehicle. In the current economic climate drivers are looking for ways to reduce costs and electric power offers an ideal solution, especially for congested urban areas where traffic is stop-start for much of the day.

“We’ve had a positive response to electric vehicles from many local authorities, both in the UK and in Europe. However it’s a shame that London looks set to miss out, especially since its famous taxi fleet is currently responsible for 4% of all emissions in the capital,” he added.

The E7 will cost £39,450. To put this into perspective, a London style black taxi based on a TX4 silver automatic is in the region of £35,455 on the road.

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The V13R overall design and style make it the perfect 3-wheel roadster. Personalize your ride with the V13R’s customization options. The reverse trike configuration and rear propulsion blended with the performance and unique sound of Harley-Davidson® V-ROD® engine make it a powerful and fun ride.

The V13R features side-by-side seating for two adults and integrated cargo space. Great week-end getaways guaranteed.

-Fun 3-wheels of pure fun to ride

-Style Unique hot rod design. A true head turner

-Performance Powerful acceleration with excellent cornering abilities

STYLE

• Modern design Hot-Rod styling
• Laminated fiberglass body panels
• Unique and distinctive look

CARGO

• Integrated cargo space
- Under the hood
- Glove compartment
• Waterproof
• Lockable
• Roomy enough for two, rain suit and personal items for a quick getaway

SUSPENSION

• Front: motorcycle progressive suspension
• Rear: adjustable mono shock
• All suspension components are standard motorcycle size

INSTRUMENTATION

• Digital and analog instrument cluster
• Standard car controls with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter
• Can accept any 69+ GM steering wheel
• Steering column with flashers, hi-low beam switch, hazards
• In-dash 12V adaptor plug

COCKPIT

• Ergonomically designed
• Side-by-side seating for two adults
• In-dash glove compartment with room for a radio
• Grab bar and foot rest for easy in and out

SAFETY

• Rigid tubular chassis
• Safety roll bars
• 3-points safety belts
• Cross-drilled rotors on all wheels
• Hand brake
• High illumation hi-low beam headlights

ENGINE

• Powered by a Harley-Davidson® Liquid-cooled Revolution® 60° V-Twin engine
• Delivers 84 ft. lbs of torque
• Produces 125 horsepower
• Distinctive American V-Twin engine sound

DRIVELINE

• Sequential five-speed transmission
• Custom designed mechanical reverse gear
• Strap driven rear wheel
• Clean and maintenance free ride

The V13R is available in 3 colors with assorted trim. Both the Brilliant Black and the Inferno Red version come with chromed roll bars, sub frame, swingarm and A-arm assemblies. The headlight bezel and the front grill are also chromed. The Bright Silver version has jet black powder coated roll bars, sub frame, swingarm and A-arm assemblies for a bad attitude.

Every visitor to The British International Motor Show, sponsored by Zurich Connect, can expect to view a wide selection of the most expensive and most luxurious vehicles on display in the Heritage Enclosure and Ultimate Collection Public Gallery. For a limited number of Show-goers the experience will be all the more special, as the event’s organizers have released a limited number of tickets granting access to the ultra-exclusive ‘Ultimate Collection’.

Housed in a private, gallery-style display area above the main Show halls at ExCeL, the Ultimate Collection will offer unhindered access to some of the world’s most desirable supercars from brands such as Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg and Spyker, with a combined value of over £5 million.

Nowhere else in the UK can you get so close to such a stunning array of exclusive supercars. From a Pagani Zonda F worth over £250,000 to the 245mph Koenigsegg CCX-R Edition that is capable of hitting 62mph in 3.2 seconds, the collection will have something to thrill every visitor. Other highlights will include the McLaren SLR, current holder of the London Land Speed Record, and a duo of Maserati cars from the iconic Italian firm.

High-quality hospitality will be provided to enhance the experience. Presentations of exquisite goods from non-automotive luxury brands, such as Breitling, Panerai, Hiscox and Maurice Sedwell will accompany the cars.

The Ultimate Collection’s sophisticated environment has been styled by leading interior designer, Jasper Jacob. The lavish presentation area will be much more than a car showroom, with dramatic use of darkness and spectacular shards of light creating a visually striking arena to complement the automotive ‘works of art’.

To intensify the atmosphere and illustrate the power and performance of the models, breathtaking footage of the supercars in action will run alongside the displays.

“The Ultimate Collection will make a fabulous day out for car enthusiasts and those who love the high life, as top-notch hospitality and the world’s greatest cars are combined at the British International Motor Show,” commented Kirsty Perkinson, Marketing Director for the Show.

“The UK is well known for its passion for automotive icons, and we will have 20 of the latest models on show in this unique environment, presented in a stylish setting fitting for the brands.”

The Ultimate Collection is priced from £99, which also includes entry to the main areas of the Show. Tickets are available now by calling 020 8233 5878 or from www.motorshow-ultimatecollection.co.uk. The show opens to the public on 23 July and runs until 3 August.